ATHENS, Ohio (Feb. 21, 2005) -- The Ohio University Club Hockey team recently honored players, coaches, managers, trainers and others who have contributed to the program over the past 45 years at an alumni weekend celebration in Athens. Nearly 40 former Ohio hockey players attended the event which also included the Ohio Hockey Hall of Fame inductions.

The OU Club Hockey team invited alumni to Athens for the weekend of Jan. 21 and 22. Events for alumni included a Friday night social hosted at Konneker Alumni Center following the Friday evening game, the annual Saturday afternoon alumni game at Bird Arena, dinner on Saturday at the Atrium Café in Grover Center and the Saturday evening game featuring the Hall of Fame ceremony. Pre-game ceremonies on Saturday evening honored former players Mike L'Heureux and Brody Danner, as well as 33-year off-ice volunteer Marvin Fletcher.

Former player and coach, Mike L'Heureux, of Athens, played for three seasons, from 1963-1966, and holds the record for most points in a single game (9). L'Heureux also coached the OU Club Hockey team for three seasons from 1981-1984 where he compiled an admirable record of 55 wins, 17 losses and 2 ties. L'Heureux is the President of L'Heureux Properties of Athens.

Former player Brody Danner of Dayton, Ohio, was also recognized for his achievements as goalie for the Bobcats. Danner played for the Bobcats for four seasons, 1994-1998. During Danner's career, he received First Team ACHA All American honors in 1996, First Team ACHA Tournament in 1996, ACHA Tournament MVP in 1997 and Second Team ACHA Tournament in 1998.

Also of Athens, Marvin Fletcher, was recognized and honored for the Meritorious Service Hall of Fame award. Fletcher has worked for Ohio University for 37 years, and has volunteered for Ohio Club Hockey for the past 33 years. Fletcher has served as an off-ice official including goal judge, penalty box and time keeper, just to name a few.

The Ohio University Hockey Hall of Fame recognizes selected players, coaches or persons who have demonstrated meritorious service making a lasting impact on the hockey program at Ohio University.

Alumni must be nominated for one of three categories - players, coaches or meritorious service. Rationale for the honor, statistics and specific examples of service supporting the nomination are required for all nominations. Honorees are selected based on the criteria submitted.

The Blueline Booster Club, a nonprofit organization formed to support the high standards of ice hockey at Ohio University, helped to organize the alumni weekend of events.

[ 30 ]

Media Contact: College of Health and Human Services Director of Communication Olivea Oldham, 740-593-1433 or Oldham@ohio.edu